Intuitive Machines Nova-C vs Northrop MEV-2
Head-to-head comparison of Astrobotic Intuitive Machines Nova-C and Maxar Technologies Northrop MEV-2. Updated 2026.
Last updated: September 28, 2026
Overall Score
71.0/ 100
Intuitive Machines Nova-C
Astrobotic
78.3/ 100
Northrop MEV-2
Maxar Technologies
Score Breakdown
75
Performance85
68
Reliability85
55
Ease of Use58
75
Intelligence82
80
Value75
72
Ecosystem72
78
Safety88
72
Design70
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Intuitive Machines Nova-C | Northrop MEV-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $77,000,000 | $300,000,000 |
| Landing | Malapert A crater | — |
| Program | NASA CLPS | — |
| Payloads | 6 | — |
| Propulsion | Liquid methane/LOX | — |
| Lander Mass Kg | 675 | — |
| Payload Capacity Kg | 100 | — |
| Type | — | Satellite life extension |
| Orbit | — | GEO |
| Docking | — | Non-cooperative capture |
| Mass Kg | — | 2300 |
| Customer | — | Intelsat |
| Life Extension Years | — | 5 |
Buyer Intelligence
| Metric | Intuitive Machines Nova-C | Northrop MEV-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor Health Score | — | — |
| 5-Year TCO Estimate | $107,800,000 | $420,000,000 |
| Annual Maintenance | — | — |
| Support Model | — | — |
| Safety Certifications | — | — |